The Outdoors Station

“A 30,000 km dream begins on the icy cliffs of Norway. Join Ken & Marie as they cross the continent, climb the Atlas Mountains, and discover the joy of slow travel on the road to Africa.”

Welcome to “Cape to Cape,” a two-part podcast that follows Kenneth Jørgensen and Marie Stoubæk on a once-in-a-lifetime bikepacking adventure. In 2024 over 518 days and 30 641 km, they pedalled from the icy North Cape in Norway to the sun-baked tip ...

"There’s no single way to experience Scafell Pike — and that’s what makes it so magical."

In this episode of "The Outdoor Station," I share my recent Coast to Coast walk with my wife before diving into a conversation with author and mountain leader Graham Uney. 

We discuss his new book on 15 routes up Scafell Pike, his experiences as a hilltop assessor, and the joys and challenges of guiding in the Lake District. Graham offers insigh...

Episode 590 on "The Outdoor Station" is Part Two of my conversation with guest Ryan Archer, a YouTuber and long-distance hiker, shares his experiences on the Hexatrek in France. 

If you haven't listened to Part One, do go back to last weeks episode for more information on how he found out about the trek and his rapid preparation of only 3 weeks before setting out.

This 3,034-kilometre trail connects 14 national parks and 47 GR trails...

In this episode on "The Outdoors Station," we explore Ryan Archer's adventure on the Hexatrek, a relatively new 3,034-kilometre through-hike across France. Stretching 3,034 kilometres from the forested Vosges Mountains in the northeast to the rugged Pyrenees in the south, this trail weaves through 14 of France’s most beautiful national parks, following the high mountain backbone of a country affectionately known as l’Hexagone.

Ryan ...

In this release from "The Outdoor Station," Bob Cartwright celebrates the podcast's 20th anniversary and the new series starting with the introduction of adventurer and writer Elise Downing. Elise discusses her new book "Walk Britain," that has just been released by Vertebrate Publishing which features 90 walking routes across England, Scotland, and Wales, all accessible by public transport. 

She shares insights into her research pr...

In this episode of the Outdoor Station UK podcast, I am thrilled to preview the exciting content planned for the 2025 series! I chat about a variety of upcoming interviews with authors, outdoor enthusiasts, and notable figures in the outdoor community. We'll dive into topics like outdoor literature, a Danish couple's epic cycling journey, a new long-distance route called the Hexatrek, and the fascinating historical connection betwe...

In this episode of The Outdoors Station podcast, we explore Zara Lachlan's historic solo rowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean. As the first woman and youngest person to row solo, unsupported, and non-stop from mainland Europe to mainland South America, Zara shares her experiences, challenges, and reflections. She recounts close encounters with large vessels, the beauty and solitude of the ocean, and her daily routines. Zara's s...

In this episode of the Outdoor Station podcast, we celebrate our 20th year and the first podcast of 2025. 

Our main guest, Zara Lachlan, is on a solo rowing journey from mainland Europe to South America. Through her audio diary entries, Zara shares her daily struggles, emotions, and observations as she rows across the Atlantic Ocean. 

Despite facing challenging weather and mental hurdles, she remains determined and optimistic. 

Zara a...

In this podcast episode, Rose and I recount our journey from Siem Reap, Cambodia, to Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam. We share our experiences on a night bus, our early morning arrival in Phnom Penh, and our exploration of a red-light district. Despite health challenges, we navigated the chaotic traffic and assertive locals in Ho Chi Minh City. 
 

Our initial hotel was disappointing, but we found solace in a homestay in Phan Thiet. Recordin...

In my latest podcast episode, we continue our exploration of Siem Reap, Cambodia, delving deeper into the captivating temples that define this historic region. I kick off the episode by recapping our previous discussions and sharing our insights, focusing on the advantages of hiring a local guide and providing additional practical tips for exploring the temple complex efficiently. 

We then hear more from Samart, our local guide, who...

In this podcast episode, we explore the wonders of Angkor Wat through the perspectives of multiple speakers. Our guide Samart introduces the episode, setting the context for the listeners. Bob provides an in-depth analysis of Angkor Wat's architecture and historical significance, while Rose shares personal experiences and observations from their visit. Samart adds context about the temple gates and ancient Cambodian social classes....

In this podcast episode, we recount our journey through Siem Reap, Cambodia. We began with a luxurious stay at the Sabara Angkor Hotel and Spa, followed by a lively exploration of Pub Street. Despite some travel frustrations, we found joy in visiting Apopo, where African giant pouch rats are trained to detect landmines. 

Our day continued with a visit to the Made in Cambodia Market, where we admired and supported local artisans. We ...

In episode 580, we embark on an exciting journey from Heathrow to Cambodia. We share our experiences from the bustling markets of Phnom Penh to the historical significance of the genocide museum. After navigating chaotic traffic and exploring local culture, we travel to Battambang, where we take a cookery course with Coconut Lyly. The course highlights Cambodian cuisine and fosters camaraderie among travelers. Reflecting on the cou...

In this lively episode of The Outdoor Station podcast, Bob shares his excitement about an upcoming adventure to Southeast Asia with his wife, Rose. 

He reflects on past travel experiences and the evolution of travel, contrasting the simplicity of postcards with today's tech conveniences. 

Bob humorously discusses the challenges of balancing responsibilities with the desire for adventure, and details their "flash packing" plans to exp...

In this episode of The Outdoor Station podcast, host Bob Cartwright converses with Dr. Rose O'Neill, Chief Executive of the Campaign for National Parks, about a pivotal legal case concerning wild camping rights in Dartmoor National Park. 

The case, brought to the UK Supreme Court by landowners Alexander and Diana Darwall, challenges public access to wild camping. 

Dr. O'Neill discusses the historical context of our National Parks, th...

In this episode of "The Outdoor Station," Bob introduces Zara Lachlan, a 21-year-old adventurer preparing to row 3600 miles solo and unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean from Portugal to South America leaving in a few days time.

Zara discusses her extensive preparation, including sea survival training, boat modifications, and navigation planning. She shares insights into her athletic background, training regimen, and the technical ...

In this podcast on "The Outdoor Station," host Bob Cartwright chats with adventure athlete Katy Parrott. Katy shares her thrilling experiences in the outdoors, her stint on the TV show "Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week," and her journey as an army reservist. Growing up in Bristol, Katy's love for adventure began early, leading her to study sport science and wildlife filmmaking. She recounts her intense training on the show, her d...

In this episode of "The Outdoor Station," host Bob Cartwright interviews Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear and a pioneer in ultralight backpacking. Glen shares his journey into ultralight backpacking, starting from sewing his own gear to founding Gossamer Gear. He discusses the evolution of backpacking gear, emphasising the importance of reducing pack weight for a more enjoyable experience. Glen also introduces his new book,...

Ever wondered what it's like to balance the intense world of emergency medical services with a passion for outdoor adventures? 

Join us as we welcome an EMT who takes us from the frontlines of emergency response to the serene landscapes of the Norfolk-Suffolk border. Growing up in Lowestoft, our guest recounts heartwarming childhood memories of canoeing on the Norfolk Broads and surfing, which set the stage for thrilling internation...